1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1420 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
